What does a writ of execution instruct the sheriff to do?

A writ of execution is a court order that directs law enforcement, typically the sheriff, to enforce a judgment that has been awarded by a court. This legal document essentially instructs the sheriff to seize non-exempt property belonging to the losing party in order to satisfy the financial judgment due to the winning party.

This option focuses on the specific function of a writ of execution, which is to convert a court's judgment into actionable steps for enforcement. When a court has ruled that one party is owed money, and that party takes steps to collect on that judgment, the writ of execution empowers the sheriff to execute that collection. This can involve the seizure of personal or real property that is not protected by exemptions, ensuring that the winning party can receive the compensation awarded by the court.

Other options, while related to law enforcement duties, do not accurately represent the specific purpose of a writ of execution. Resolving property disputes typically involves mediation or arbitration rather than direct seizure of property. Collecting a fine is generally a different process involving tickets or court fines, while retrieving stolen property is more aligned with criminal law enforcement, focusing on the recovery of items taken unlawfully rather than enforcing a monetary judgment.